Nepal’s New Luxury

With just 30 keys, VIP travelers will find a mix of adventure and luxury at Taj’s exclusive Meghauli Serai, A Taj Safari Lodge at Chitwan National Park in Nepal. Located on the banks of the Rapti River and overlooking the center of Chitwan National Park, the hotel is a 20-minute flight and an hour’s drive from Kathmandu. Note: Travelers can also arrive directly at the lodge by helicopter from Kathmandu. In Chitwan, Meghauli offers a range of safaris, which are operated by &Beyond and include elephant-back safaris, jungle walks, canoeing, safari drives and breakfast in the bush. During the various experiences, guests can expect to see rare species of birds, Asian elephants, one-horned rhinos and, hopefully, Bengal tigers.

After exploring the park, Luxury Travel Advisor suggests that A-listers retreat to the top accommodation, the Rapti Mahal Suite. This hideaway boasts a private plunge pool and a viewing deck, which is ideal for catching glimpses of elephants playing in the Rapti River. Want more potential animal sightings? Guests should spend an afternoon at the infinity-edge swimming pool, which has views of the river. Travelers can also opt for a private, romantic dinner poolside or under a flowering Shimul tree adorned with lanterns. Other dining options include Rapti Kinara, complete with river views and a menu of barbeque specialties, and Tharu, which serves up village-themed dining. Tip: The lodge is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from October to March. To create a special stay, contact Jodi LeBlanc ([email protected]) and Pallavi Gopal ([email protected]).